Discretionary access control (DAC)

Definition

Discretionary access control (DAC) is a type of access control method where the owner of a resource has the authority to determine who can access that resource. This means that users can grant or restrict access to their own resources based on their discretion, creating a flexible but potentially less secure environment compared to more rigid access controls. DAC is often used in environments where users need to share information freely while still retaining some level of control over their data.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. DAC allows resource owners to make decisions about who can access their files and what they can do with them.
2. Because permissions are set by users themselves, DAC can lead to inconsistent security policies across an organization.
3. Many operating systems use DAC as a standard method for controlling file and resource access, such as Windows and UNIX/Linux systems.
4. While DAC is flexible and user-friendly, it is more vulnerable to insider threats since users can unintentionally grant access to unauthorized individuals.
5. In environments requiring strict security measures, organizations may prefer MAC or RBAC due to the limitations of DAC in maintaining uniform security protocols.

Review Questions

• How does discretionary access control differ from mandatory access control in terms of user authority and security?
  • Discretionary access control (DAC) allows resource owners to make decisions regarding who can access their resources, giving them significant flexibility and authority over their own data. In contrast, mandatory access control (MAC) operates under a centralized authority that enforces strict rules about permissions, leaving users with no ability to alter access settings. This fundamental difference means DAC can lead to potential security vulnerabilities due to inconsistent policies, whereas MAC provides uniformity but less user autonomy.
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using discretionary access control in an organization.
  • Discretionary access control offers several advantages, including flexibility and ease of use for resource owners who can quickly grant or revoke permissions as needed. This approach encourages collaboration and sharing among users. However, it also has disadvantages such as potential security risks from users inadvertently granting excessive access or not following proper protocols. Furthermore, the lack of consistency in permissions across different users may lead to challenges in enforcing organizational security policies.
• Discuss how implementing discretionary access control impacts an organization’s overall security strategy and user collaboration.
  • Implementing discretionary access control significantly impacts an organization's overall security strategy by introducing both flexibility for user collaboration and potential vulnerabilities. While DAC enables resource owners to manage their own data sharing, it may lead to inconsistent security practices that complicate overall compliance with security policies. For organizations that prioritize collaboration, DAC can foster an open environment where information flows freely. However, they must balance this openness with measures to mitigate risks associated with unauthorized access or data leaks stemming from users' discretionary choices.

Related terms

Access Control List (ACL): A list that specifies which users or system processes have permission to access specific resources and what operations they can perform on those resources.

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):

An access control method where permissions are assigned to roles rather than individual users, allowing for a more centralized and manageable way of controlling access.

Mandatory Access Control (MAC):

An access control model where access rights are regulated by a central authority based on multiple security levels, and users cannot change these permissions.